Testimonials
“My daughter absolutely loved this program. She feels stronger, more flexible and she has a greater understanding of how her core muscles function as a dancer. To this day she continues to perform the exercises she learned during this great session. Thank you!” ~ Carole DeHaven, PT
“The dancers not only learned a new appreciation of how to care for their bodies, so they could achieve more from them, they also learned how to protect their bodies from harm.” ~ Sylvia Calder, Highland Dance Teacher (Scottish Dance Teachers Association, United Kingdom Alliance of Teachers of Dance)
"I really enjoyed the course!...Such a great way to end SVDF!" ~ attendee at the Southern Vermont Dance Festival
Individual Screenings
We are now offering individual body assessments in conjunction with our workshops. Each student who signs up in advance will be given an approximately 20min individual body assessment that includes a traditional skeletal assessment to gage alignment; a ballet based assessment to gage flexibility, turn-out, strength, foot & ankle mobility, etc.; a pointe shoe assessment (if applicable) to see where most of the wear is occurring on the shoe and what this tells us about their muscle recruitment; and a short list of exercises to begin to address their particular individual needs.
Dance Conditioning
Co-founded by Heather McGinnis and Stephanie Leslie in 2013, Position First Dance Conditioning provides educational seminars on dance conditioning and injury prevention for all styles of dance. We offer interactive workshops for students and professional development for staff. Our mission is to educate dancers on how to properly use their bodies to maximize efficiency, prevent injury, facilitate kinesthetic awareness, and optimize performance.
Our seminars allow dancers to interpret and apply commonly heard classroom corrections and truly understand the bio-mechanical concepts beyond the steps. This allows them to avoid many pitfalls, which would otherwise lead to injury. Programs can be designed to suit your studio’s specific needs. Position First Dance Conditioning strives to provide the latest insights into dance kinesiology and injury prevention. We take care to ensure age appropriate presentation of materials as well as foster active attendee involvement throughout the presentation. We will travel to your studio or institute.
Condensed Two Hour Courses:
BARRE BASICS
Students are guided through several basic steps at the barre and common corrections are discussed. Students learn the anatomy and kinesiology behind the steps, as well as the reasoning behind familiar corrections. Most importantly, students will participate in conditioning exercises that specifically address the corrections they hear in class.
CENTERWORK CONTROL
Students are guided through several basic center combinations in a variety of disciplines with a focus on TURNS and SINGLE LEG BALANCE. Students learn to identify how a strong core assists with movement as well as specific conditioning exercises to address weaknesses they may have.
TOTALLY TURNED-OUT
Students learn hip and pelvic anatomy and how this relates to achieving optimal turn-out. Different strategies and conditioning exercises are discussed and practiced to assist students in achieving their maximal and healthy turn-out.
INJURY BASICS
Students are often instructed to rest or stop dancing if an injury occurs. This session will teach students how to care for their bodies after an injury as well as discuss the cross training activities and practice the conditioning exercises they can do. Appropriate re- introduction of dance and technique will also be discussed.
FEET: TO THE POINTE
Students will learn an overview of foot anatomy and the intricacies of the 26 bones, 30 joints, 19 muscles and approximately 115 ligaments that comprise each foot. Specific conditioning exercises for the feet will be practiced and foot care discussed.
UPPER BODY URGENCY
So much focus in dance education is on the legs and trunk; this course addresses the upper body and postural stability. Students will review anatomy of the shoulder and scapular regions and learn how the shoulder and upper body function…from port de bras to contemporary floor work to partnering.
EXTENSION ESSENTIALS: THE PSOAS
Students will study an often overlooked muscle of the core…the psoas. They will discover its far reaching influence on extension, stability, balance, and strength, as well as mood and emotion. Various conditioning exercises will be practiced and discussed.
JUMP HIGHER, LEAP FARTHER
Every dancer wishes to increase the height of his or her jumps and leaps. Now your students can learn and practice distinctive conditioning exercises to achieve just that! Basic anatomy and kinesiology as related to jumps will also be discussed.
FINAGLING FLEXIBILITY
What does every dancer want more than anything? More flexibility! Dancers learn the anatomy and physiology of muscle tissue and stretching mechanics. Instructors discuss how to avoid common pitfalls and dispel stretching myths based on the latest scientific research! Above all, students learn how to “stretch safe” in order to curb future damage to joints and ligaments and avoid developing injurious movement patterns
BODY RELEASE ESSENTIALS (1 hour) A head to toe self-myofascial release class designed to relieve "knots" or tissue adhesions throughout the body using foam rollers and various balls. Rolling can increase range of motion, fascial hydration, muscular sensation, balance, muscle recovery and blood circulation. Walk out of class with a whole new reenergized body.